TERRACIELO – Environmental Art
Island of Torcello Venice lagoon May 11/July 31, 2023
The exhibition is dedicated to the textile artist Marialuisa Sponga
Curated by Simonetta Gorreri
The origins of Venice are rooted in Torcello. The first factory dates back to 639, the second to 864 and the third to 1008 wich corresponds to the present day. Opposite the Cathedral are the remains of the Baptistery, dating back to the 7th century. The underlying plan is typically Roman with Byzantine notations. Around the year 1000 the Bell Tower was built, offering a view of elegance and refinement. The interior of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption is clearly reminiscent of the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna. Some capitals are vine twig work from the 6th century, others perhaps from the 10th century. The mosaics in the interior depict the Judgment and were made between the 11th and 12th centuries.
But why all these historical and artistic references for a contemporary environmental art project? This is exactly the right word: “ENVIRONMENTAL”. One can intervene today on a medieval and pre-Roman model through artistic expressions. The artists went with curator Simonetta Gorreri to the site, personally choosing the location for which to produce the work, which should enhance the island in its landscape and historical importance.
Contemporary Art, true Art, must be an expression of the present day and its problems through free, unconditioned expression. For the realisation of the works, specific requests were made to the various institutions with the submission of project drawings.
Artists
Lorella Salvagni (Mantova), Maruzza Bianchi Michiel (Vicenza), Pam Longobardi (USA), Candida Ferrari (Parma), Claudia Corò (Venice), DAMSS ART – Daniela Arnoldi and Marco Sarzi-Sartori (Milan), Paolo Stefani (Paris France), Paola Blazquez (Seville Spain), Pierre Vauconsant (Paris France), Guilherme Carvalho (Paris France).
DAMSS ART – Daniela Arnoldi and Marco Sarzi-Sartori:
TORC
Location: garden Arredi D’Arte Dimensions 40×220 cm and 50×240 cm
Material: ropes prepared with personal technique of twisting and weaving
Torcello recalls the press, but also torsion, and this is the principle on which these works are based. Hundreds of coloured threads twist on a very long core of fabric to give life to the rope that is woven according to the laws of weaving. The weaving takes many forms and ultimately translates the design into material, even when it takes the form of a shawl, or a dress. The interwoven and woven ropes are reminiscent of sailors’ nets that are cast into the lagoon and then left to dry hanging in the sun. As they are thrown, they touch the sky before falling into the water and this gesture gives new life to the work. It is meant to be a connection with nature and the trees, as if to signify a unity with the universe.
TEXTILE ARTWORKS OF MARIALUISA SPONGA
To whom the exhibition is dedicated
